About me
Ricardo Nieves, MD, is a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. As a general cardiologist, he treats patients with a wide range of cardiovascular disorders, utilizing traditional and advanced cardiology methods like stress testing, coronary CTA, and cardiac MRI. He is board-certified in internal medicine, echocardiography, cardiovascular disease, and cardiac MRI.
His treatment approach is patient-centered and holistic. Passionate about helping people improve their health while considering their lifestyle and the social determinants that influence their access to care, he works closely with his patients to develop a care plan that aligns with their personal goals and values. He promotes lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation, to improve cardiovascular health.
Dr. Nieves specializes in utilizing cardiac MRI imaging technology to better diagnose, treat, and understand heart diseases such as infiltrative cardiomyopathies and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, among other processes. He is also excited about the future of 4D cardiac MRI imaging, a technology that allows cardiologists to evaluate blood flow in the heart in real-time while simultaneously evaluating the structure of the heart.
Dr. Nieves completed his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency, internship, and two fellowship programs at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
In his career, Dr. Nieves has received several awards and honors, including the Galal M. Ziady Memorial Award for his commitment to the underserved and the UPMC Excellence in Research Award. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, and Alpha Omega Alpha.
Dr. Nieves speaks fluent Spanish. When he is not working with patients, he likes to play guitar, row, exercise, and spend time with his family.
Philosophy of Care
“My philosophy of care is simple: the patient comes first. It is important to me to focus on someone’s goals and fully understand where they are coming from. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more you know, the better equipped you are to take care of yourself and your health. When I sit and talk with patients, I am seeking to understand where they are coming from and how I can meet them there with information regarding their health.
Clinical areas of focus
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty
- Atrial Flutter
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Catheterization Interpretation
- Cardiac Sudden Death
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chest Pain
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Heart Disease
- Heart Murmur
- High Cholesterol Management
- Holter Monitoring
- Hypertension
- Hypertension Treatment
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Lymphedema
- Stress Echocardiography
Conditions and procedures
Conditions I treat
- Abnormal Body Structure Imaging
- Abnormal Breathing
- Abnormal Function Study Results
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Acute Bacterial Endocarditis
- Acute Endocarditis
- Acute Ischemic Heart Diseases
- Acute Myocardial Infarction
- Advanced Heart Failure
- Advanced Heart Failure (ADHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure (AHF)
- Advanced Heart Failure Care
- Amyloidosis
- Angina
- Angina Pectoris
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Aortic Regurgitation
- Aortic Stenosis
- Aortic Valve Regurgitation
- Artery Disorders
- Atherosclerosis
- Atherosclerosis Of Aorta
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Atrial Flutter
- Atrioventricular Block
- Bicuspid Aortic Valve
- Bradycardia
- Bundle Branch Block
- Cardiac Arrest
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Cardiac Murmurs
- Cardiac Sudden Death
- Cardiomyopathy
- Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
- Cellulitis
- Chest Pain
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
- Circulatory System Complications
- Circulatory System Disorders
- Clotting Disorders
- Congenital Heart Valve Defects
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Arteries
- Congenital Malformations Of Great Veins
- Congenital Malformations Of Heart
- Congenital Malformations Of Pulmonary And Tricuspid Valves
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Disorders Of Lipoprotein Metabolism And Lipidemias
- Dyspnea On Exertion
- Eisenmenger Syndrome
- Electrical Conduction Disorders
- Fibromuscular Dysplasia
- Heart Block
- Heart Disease
- Heart Murmur
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol Management
- Hypertension
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Hypotension
- Interstitial Lung Disease
- Intracranial Aneurysm
- Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Kawasaki Disease
- Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
- Liver Enzyme Abnormalities
- Liver Injury
- Long Term Drug Therapy
- Lymphangitis
- Lymphedema
- Mitral Regurgitation
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Mitral Valve Stenosis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Myocardial Infarction
- Myocarditis
- Nervous And Musculoskeletal Symptoms
- Nonrheumatic Mitral Valve Disease
- Obesity
- Pain In Throat And Chest
- Palpitations
- Paroxysmal Ventricular Tachycardia
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Patent Foramen Ovale
- Pericardium Diseases
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Peripheral Vascular Diseases
- Precerebral Artery Occlusion
- Premature Atrial Contraction
- Premature Atrial Contractions
- Premature Atrial Contractions (PACS)
- Premature Ventricular Contractions
- Presence Of Cardiac And Vascular Implants
- Problems Related To Lifestyle
- Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Pulmonary Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Valve Disorders
- Renal Artery Thrombosis
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Rheumatic Tricuspid Valve Disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Shock
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Single Ventricle Heart Defects
- Sleep Disorders
- Subcortical Infarction
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis
- Supraventricular Tachycardia
- Swelling In Legs
- Syncope
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Tachycardia
- Thoracic Aortic Dissection
- Thyrotoxic Crisis
- Transient Cerebral Ischemic Attacks
- Transplanted Organ And Tissue Status
- Tricuspid Stenosis
- Valve Disease With Congestive Heart Failure
- Vasculitis
- Venous Embolism
- Venous Thromboembolism
- Ventricular Aneurysm
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Ventricular Tachycardia
Procedures I perform
- Angiogram
- Angioplasty
- Aortic Valve Repair
- Aortic Valve Surgery
- Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
- Atrial Septal Defect Repair
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Cardiac Output Assistance
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Cardiovascular Stress Testing
- Cardioversion
- Carotid Artery Aneurysm Repair
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
- Coronary Artery Disease Treatment
- Duplex Scan Of Extremity Veins
- Echocardiography
- Electrocardiogram
- Electrophysiology Study
- Heart Failure Treatment
- Heart Pacemaker Implantation
- Heart Transplant
- Heart Ultrasonography
- High Cholesterol Management
- Holter Monitoring
- Hypertension Treatment
- Intravascular Ultrasound
- Kinesiology Analysis
- Lymphedema
- Mesenteric Angiography
- MRA With Contrast
- Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
- Nuclear Stress Test
- Palpitation Treatment
- Peripheral Venous Access
- Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome Treatment
- Prostate Injury Treatment
- Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Repair
- Stress Echocardiography
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) Ablation
- Syncope Treatment
- Transesophageal Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiography
- Vasopressor Administration
- Ventricular Restoration
- Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.
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List of insurance plans we accept
- Aetna Advantage 5750
- Aetna Medicare Advantage PFFS Plan
- Aetna Quality Point of Service (POS)
- IH-POS
- Healthy Blue (HMO, POS)
- Amerigroup DC Healthy Families
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Basic
- HealthyBlue PPO
- Aetna Advantage 6350PD
- United Healthcare Choice Plus Cardiac Global
- CareFirst Blue Card Program
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage Core/Enhanced
- Kaiser Permanente Select
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD HMO
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Plus
- Aetna Signature Administrator PPO/TPA
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (POS & POS OA)
- BCBS of Michigan (BCN Advantage,Security Blue, Freedom, Medicare PLUS Blue Group PPO)
- AMERIVANTAGE/Amerigroup Community Care
- HighMark
- Anthem BCBS of VA Key Care POS/PPO/Indemnity
- United Healthcare Choice Cardiac Global
- TRICARE East Select
- Blue Choice Advantage
- Jai Medical Systems - Maryland Health Choice
- Humana Gold Plus HMO
- CIGNA POS/Network POS
- IH-Open HMO
- United Healthcare Navigate Cardiac Global
- CIGNA HMO Open Access
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers (HMO)
- M.D. IPA (HMO)
- Geisinger Medicare Advantage
- Aetna Elect Choice/ Open Access (POS)
- Humana Medicare Advantage - PPO
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Plus
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthcare Alliance
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue SNP
- Aetna Better Health of VA
- IH-Open POS II
- CareFirst MedStar PPO
- Choice POS
- CareFirst BlueChoice HMO
- Aetna Managed Choice Open Access (POS)
- Network OA
- Kaiser Maryland Medicaid MCO
- Optimum Choice Preferred (POS)
- Great-West Healthcare POS/CIGNA
- Private Health Care Systems (PPO)
- Aetna Better Health of MD
- CareFirst Maryland Point of Service Plan
- Kaiser Permanente Signature - Added Choice
- NYC Medicare Advantage Plus
- CareFirst Community Health Plan of MD
- Core Essential (HMO)
- Aetna Basic
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC Healthy Families
- Options PPO Cardiac Global
- Navigate
- Humana Medicare Advantage - HMO Open Access
- Aetna VA Exchange
- United Healthcare Choice Plus
- Tricare Reserve Select
- Coventry Health Care National Network PPO
- HUMANA/Choice Care Medicare Plans (Choice, Gold Choice)
- CIGNA EPO
- Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network
- CIGNA HMO & Network (HMO)
- First Health PPO
- Alterwood Advanatge HMO & DSNP Plans
- United Medicare Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PLUS PPO
- TRICARE for Life East
- CareFirst Administrators
- CareFirst NASCO
- IH-EPO Plus
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs
- Optimum Choice & Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) Cardiac Global
- Beech Street PPO
- CIGNA SureFit (HMO)
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Adv. Special Needs Plans
- Amerigroup DC Alliance
- Cigna Achieve Medicare (HMO C-SNP)
- UHC Group Medicare Advantage Plans (HMO, POS, PPO)
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Plus Open Access (POS)
- Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO Plans
- CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO
- OCI Direct (HMO)
- Anthem BCBS of VA HealthKeepers Plus
- Cigna True Choice Medicare (PPO)
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO)
- Police and Fire Clinic
- OA Plus
- Aetna Open Choice (PPO)
- DC/MD SHOP QHP Small Business Plans
- IH-Open Network Only Plus
- Fee-for-Service (FFS) District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia Medicaid
- CIGNA Indemnity
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice 3-tier POS
- HumanaChoice PPO
- Aetna Traditional Choice (PPO)
- Medicare Advantage - Advantra Value (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Flexible Choice POS Cardiac Global
- CareFirst Blue Preferred PPO
- Cigna Alliance Medicare (HMO)
- United Healthcare Select Plus (POS)
- Choice POS II Open Access
- Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage Signature and Select
- United HealthCare Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program
- Aetna Classic 5000
- Lasso Healthcare - Medicare Medical Savings Account
- United Healthcare Select HMO - EPO/NPP
- Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS)
- IH-Open POS Plus
- IH-Open HMO Option
- First Health PPO
- CareFirst MedStar Select PPO
- Medicare FFS
- Choice POS II
- United Healthcare Options (PPO)
- Aetna HMO
- IH-Network Only Plus
- CareFirst FEP Blue Focus
- Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance
- CIGNA Connect EPO
- HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO
- Choice Care Network/HUMANA (PPO)
- Magellan Complete Care of VA - VA Medicaid MCO
- MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice
- UnitedHealthcare and AARP Medicare Complete Plans
- Coventry Health Care of Virginia
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage DSNP District of Columbia
- CareFirst EPO
- United Healthcare Select HMO-EPO/NPP Cardiac Global
- Advantra Platinum (PPO)
- Aetna HMO-Open Access/Select OA/HealthFund/Health Network Option OA
- IH-PPO
- Aetna Premier 200PD
- United Student Resources
- Optimum Choice
- Anthem BCBS Medi Blue Dual Adv
- Kaiser Permanente Signature
- Aetna Worker's Compensation Network
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage
- CIGNA PPO
- IH-HMO
- Choice Fund PPO
- MultiPlan, Inc
- Kaiser Permaenete Signature - Added Choice Cardiac Global
- Cigna True Choice Plus Medicare (PPO)
- Kaiser Permanente Select - Added Choice
- Kaiser Permanente Select Cardiac Global
- M.D. IPA Preferred (POS)
- Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO)
- BlueChoice Open Access
- UHC Passport
- Aetna Classic 5000PD
- Cigna TotalCare (HMO D-SNP)
- MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families
- MD IPA (HMO) & MD IPA Preferred Cardiac Global
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange Plans
- Optima Family Care MCO - VA Medicaid MCO
- Aetna Advantage 6350
- BCBS Out-of-State Medicare Plans (Blue Advantage)
- Uniformed Services Family Health Plan
- Erickson Advantage Plans
- Employee Health Plan
- Aetna Classic 3500
- Johns Hopkins Advantage MD PPO
- Maryland Physicians Care MCO
- Coventry of Delaware HMO/PPO
- Sentara Health
- TriWest Healthcare Alliance
- WellPoint Maryland - Maryland Health Choice
- Aetna Managed Choice (POS)
- CareFirst Group Medicare Advantage prescription drug benefit (PPO)
- IH-Indemnity
- IH-POS Plus
- CareFirst Dual Prime HMO-SNP
- United Healthcare Community Plan - VA Medicaid MCO
- CIGNA PPO Plus
- IH-Open EPO Plus
- Anthem Federal Employee Program Standard
- POS OA
- CareFirst Blue Choice Opt Out Open Access
- TRICARE East Prime
- Medicare Direct
- Mamsi Life & Health (Indem./PPO) Cardiac Global
- Aetna Elect Choice/ EPO (Aetna Health Fund)
- CareFirst Federal Employee Program (Std. & Basic PPO)
- United Healthcare Choice
- Kaiser Permanente HMO Plus and DHMO Plus Member
- Aetna Student Health Insurance
- CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity
Education
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2023)
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2022)
Residency: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2019)
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2016)